Weekend events include a scavenger hunt in one of LA's oldest neighborhoods and Dia de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever. (Published Friday, Oct. 21, 2011)

LA Day of the Dead: Many elements weave together to make this Hollywood Forever-based event one of the greatest Dia de los Muertos celebrations everywhere. The exquisite altars, the elaborate make-up, the beautiful costumes, the fragrant incense and the music and dance lend much. Astrid Hadad performs this year, and, as in years past, the celebrating doesn't end before midnight. Saturday, Oct. 22

YOGA DAY LA: Some 1,500 people all performing simultaneous sun salutations in Topanga? It's a major event in the yoga community and it gets a major name, hence Yoga Day LA. The alfresco gathering is called the "LA's largest outdoor yoga event." Bonus that it'll be a perfectly beautiful autumn day. Saturday, Oct. 22

MURAL VIEWING: You know the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Building if you know Adams Boulevard (and we hope and expect you do). And you know that, just inside, there are some beautiful and important endangered murals? There are, and you can see them on Saturday, Oct. 22. The West Adams Heritage people say this is a rare opportunity, and we believe them.

ANGELINO HEIGHTS SCAVENGER HUNT: Frolicking about the most turret-y, Victorian-gothic neighborhood in Los Angeles? Well, you can take walking tours of this downtown-close area pretty much all year long. But only in October can you join a freaky-fun scavenger hunt. Our favorite A.H. houses are the "Charmed" house and the one that looks like the Addams Family. You know the one. Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23

Pets in Halloween Costumes

FALL PARTIES: Two gourdly gatherings with a kidly focus at two spots that aren't all that far apart. Kidspace in Pasadena is throwing its pumpkin party on Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23. A petting zoo, bounce-housery, and music are part of the day. And Descanso Gardens in La Canada will offer a costume contest and puppetry. Plus, chuckwagon food for the buyin'. Yeah, we said buyin'. Chuckwagon food! Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23